at work i got a project to install linux on an ancient 80186 ...don't ask me why, i don't know myself ...but if any of you have any experience or idea how to do it, i'd be more then happy to listen to it!

even ideas like cross-compiling and then copying the stuff are welcome (note: i haven't cross-compiled ever before!)_________________tea+free software+law=hook

The 80186 is a 16 bit machine.
I only came across them in embedded applications.

16 bit - so was dos/windows (and probably still is!)
embedded - yes, that's the plan ...the guy did mention that somewhere in the conversation (i was sleeeeepy!!) ...there's bound to be a linux-embeded distro or image that fits on a 80186_________________tea+free software+law=hook

ok, the thing's a bit trickier ...i made another thread concerning that. this topic name is not really suited for the problem ...it's a wee bit more complicated then installing ELKS _________________tea+free software+law=hook